A Note from Desk of Dean Sarker

Happy Friday, Pamplin! I wanted to take a moment to strongly encourage everyone to contribute to the CVC Campaign. This campaign raises funds for local, state, and national charities, which in turn help improve the lives of children, adults, and veterans, and strengthen our community. The last day to donate using payroll deduction or paper pledge form is December 15th.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Saonee

Announcements

Let’s turn one of our leaders into the Ultimate Hokie!

On behalf of the Internal Events Committee, we would like to invite all faculty, staff, and students to participate in this year’s Ultimate Hokie Contest.  One lucky Pamplin leader who receives the highest number of votes will be decked out in Hokie gear at the next faculty/staff meeting. 

Ballots are available in all departmental offices until the end of the day. 1 vote per $1 donated for faculty and staff and 2 votes per $1 donated for students. Cash will be accepted in all department offices as well as through the Venmo flyer.

Proceeds will benefit Pamplin’s CVC efforts.   Cast your vote today!

DEIB is seeking a Teaching & Research FACULTY lead for the CROWN Bar Project!

The CROWN Bar Project is an effort led by the More Than A Fraction Foundation, a Foundation created by the descendants of one of the families who were enslaved at the Smithfield and Solitude plantations (which today is part of the Virginia Tech campus). Each year, they set out goals to not only inform the community of the history of Virginia Tech’s campus, but to assist (and in some instances lead) projects and initiatives that take into consideration the history of slavery, its modern-day effects, and how the legacy and passions of our ancestors extend beyond their direct family. More than A Fraction Foundation developed the CROWN Bar Project in response to the needs of Virginia Tech students of African descent to enhance access to hair care supplies and products. The goals of this project include: 1) Assist with the access of hair care supplies and products for the students, (2) Meet this need in a way that is sustainable and will provide educational opportunities. Please contact deib@vt.edu if you are interested in learning more about this opportunity.

BAH-VT 5G Supply Chain and Cybersecurity Clearinghouse proposal for an NTIA Grant under the Chips Act was ACCEPTED!

Virginia Tech’s part of the award will be $600,000 with work split between Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, The College of Engineering and Pamplin College of Business.

The winter 2023 Graduation Survey is open! Please share the flyer below with your students. We are doing this in effort to gather information about where students are working and help us contact graduating seniors who may still need career assistance.  

Employee Spotlight

Each employee below has been submitted for this recognition by their colleagues. 

Zhang

Kudos to Cassy Kost, DEIB Specialist!

Cassy has completed two VT educational programs: Creating An Inclusive Climate and Safe Zone 101. Thank you for your commitment to continuous education and learning to acquire knowledge and skills to support the diverse populations we serve and to advance DEIB holistically!

Venkatesh

Kudos to Coral Rojas, DEIB Assistant Director for Outreach, Recruitment, and Pre-Collegiate Programs

Congratulations on the prospective student feedback acknowledging the impact you are making:

  • “A while back you helped me revise my short answer questions for the Virginia Tech application. I wanted to let you know that I was accepted into Virginia Tech! Yay! I also wanted to thank you again for all your help. Thank you so much for all you did for me including virtually meeting with me while you didn’t feel well. I really do appreciate it!”
  • “Thank you so much for meeting with me to review my application. It means a lot considering Virgina Tech is my dream school. Also, it shows to me the commitment you have in cultivating an outstanding incoming class. Thank you for your time to help me ensure I am taking all the right steps to turn in the strongest application possible.”  
Venkatesh

Zheng "Phil" Xiang has been recognized as one of his field’s most cited researchers in the world.

Five Virginia Tech researchers have been named to the annual Highly Cited Researchers list from Clarivate. Among them is Zheng "Phil" Xiang has demonstrated significant influence reflected in his publication of multiple highly cited papers over the last decade. It is notable that one of our own researchers has been recognized for their excellent contributions to the scientific community.

Every year Clarivate™ Highly Cited Researchers™ publishes a list recognizing influential researchers in the sciences and social sciences from around the world. Highly Cited Researchers have demonstrated significant and broad influence reflected in their publication of multiple highly cited papers over the last decade.

Congratulations, Phil! Watch the video here.  

Submit staff and faculty for upcoming issues here: Tracidb1@vt.edu

Upcoming Events

Pamplin cordially invites you to attend a continental breakfast honoring fall 2023 Pamplin graduates and their families.

Friday, December 15th from 8:30 - 10:30AM at the University Club of Virginia Tech. Register here: Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. (vt.edu)

Save the date for the Advancing Diversity Gathering 2024.

Add the Advancing Diversity Gathering to your calendars on January 10, 2024!

For more events, check out https://pamplin.vt.edu/events.html

Committee Corner

For a full list of committees, http://pampl.in/Committees

Extra Items

Contemplating a master's program or know someone who is? Explore the possibilities with our esteemed Pamplin programs! Whether you're aspiring to advance your career or know someone ready to take the next academic leap, discover the excellence of our master's and Ph.D. offerings. Don't forget, VT offers tuition benefits to make your educational aspirations more accessible.

Remember the Holiday & Winter Closing Schedule: Information Here

Did you know?

Trivia about Pamplin and Virginia Tech.

Each edition we will ask a question about Pamplin. This will include trivia questions, historical details, or current events. The answer will be published in the next edition.

Nov 17th:   What was the original purpose of the Virginia Tech Duck Pond?

  • The upper pond, constructed in 1880-81, served as an ice pond for the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College until 1898 when the campus's first refrigeration plant was installed. Construction started in 1934 with funds supplied by Civil Works Administration ($18,821 for three projects). It was named “Duck Pond” by the students. Fed by Stroubles Creek and smaller lake, the Ice Pond, slightly above and to north. The two ponds serve as year-round homes principally to flocks of Canada geese and mallard ducks.

Dec 1st: What shape is the Virginia Tech Bookstore?

Check back next week to find out…..